Smith Pivot Snowboard Ski Helmet Review

The Smith Pivot snow helmet simplifies the whole bells and whistles of snow gear. In this review, we’ll see why this helmet has gotten such positive reviews in it’s short time of availability. Whether we’re talking about adjustability, comfort, or durability, this helmet is very reliable in all departments. The snowboard and ski helmet comes with an easily installable and removable goggle clip that is going to make life a whole lot easier. If you’re the type of person that likes to typically ride with your helmet’s liner and ear pads kept sturdy and intact, this may also be a huge plus. In addition, if you’re one who enjoys the terrain park, or never shy to shred through rocky runs, this is a helmet that is specifically designed for hard contact in case you catch an edge or fall flat. Now, let’s dive into the fun part, and take a look at all of the features that the Smith Pivot snow helmet has to offer.

Features of the Smith Pivot Snowboard and Ski Helmet

AirEvac 2 ventilation for additional breathing room

Skullcandy audio systems available to listen to your favorite tunes

Conveniently located removable goggle locks

Bombshell PLUS Construction

Multi-Impact EPP Liner specifically designed for enhanced comfort

MIPS available in varying colors

13 vents throughout the helmet

Self-adjusting lifestyle fit system to simplify your gear

Features of the Smith Pivot Snowboard and Ski Helmet

Let’s be clear, the Smith Pivot doesn’t have a lot not to rave about in terms of the unique features that come with it. Do you blame this fact considering that price-tag, however? First and foremost, let’s talk about the features that allow this to have optimal safety and durability. The hardshell ABS exterior is distinctly designed to take contact. As we previously mentioned, if you’re one who likes to take risks on the mountain, or simply have a hard time staying on your two feet, you might want to take this feature into consideration. With that said, not only is this snow helmet stylish but it’s tough as a rock! The Bombshell PLUS construction also combines with the ABS for further security, which uses an injection molded ABS shell to endure ultimate impact, this also contains exceptional durability, making it difficult to leave a serious mark on the helmet.

What also makes the Smith Pivot worthy of purchasing is that the ventilation design is so unique and technologically driven, that it really is more than your average ventilation design. The AirEvac 2 is created to take the warm air and remove it further away from your goggles. The external ventilation and internal channels facilitate this by using the EPS liner. In addition to that, the real fun begins with the airflow climate control. This is a matchless feature that you’re going to have a hard time replicating on the market at your local shop. The Airflow climate control features maximizes airflow and heat exhaustion in hot temperatures. The placement of these vents is placed in a way that you are going to have an easy time with climate control, no matter what the condition might be.

Smith’s snowboard and ski helmet has created a solution that is designed by integrating the helmet with the goggles into one system (with their own goggles of course, double-check if you have a different brand). The AirEvac ventilation system is by far the most important thing to consider in terms of the helmet portion of this product. This essentially is the bridge that enables goggles and helmets to work together as one unit by venting airflow away from the goggles through the helmet climate control system, and away from your head.

Additional Helmet Features

In addition to these important comfort and safety features, it should be mentioned that the snow helmet is engineered with something called Aerocore construction (something their extremely high-end Smith Vantage helmet has for $200+) to further enhance airflow. The purpose of this feature in the Smith Pivot is to increase airflow, and also improve temperature regulation which is going to prevent your vision from being hindered and distracted by fog. In windy or wet conditions, it is never fun riding without proper sight, which is the point of combining materials such as EPS and Koyord, which is a revolutionary material that captivates more energy in the event of hard impact. The enhancement of Aerocore construction is the answer to increasing ventilation in the helmet without removing durability and protection, something many experienced riders know about.

Finally, the MIPS feature (available for a few extra bucks, which we highly recommend) is important to discuss as it adds an additional layer between the outer shell and your head. Simply put, this protective feature is paramount when differentiating the Smith Pivot to your common snowboard and ski helmet. If you catch an edge during your ride and have impact at an awkward angle rational forces are subsequently generated. This is going to allow the outer shell of the helmet to slide relative to the head when it’s bouncing around like a bobble head. Studies have compared riders who utilize snowboard and ski helmets with and without MIPS and the potential brain damage without this feature is hard to refute.

Conclusion of the Smith Pivot snowboard and ski helmet

When deciding on your snowboard and ski helmet there are a lot of unique features that each helmet has to offer. And let’s all at least agree that protecting your head is the most important thing. With that said, considering the high-performance features that enhances protection, while sustaining great comfort, there is just not going to be much better out there for this price. There are definitely helmets out there with this type of protection and other advanced features (perhaps better venting systems, fit systems, or style choices), however nearly double the price. You can always check out our snow helmets under $100 article for a few competitors to the Pivot when it comes to price-range. One particular model that stands out is probably the Lucky Bums Snow Sport Helmet, however that does not have any styles available in MIPS like the Pivot. It’s up to you.

Combing the MIPS technology with the AirEvac 2 feature allow riders to have confidence that they are getting high quality in this purchase. This is a helmet with many essentials you need for protection and one that comes with a reasonable price. All things considered, the Smith Pivot snow helmet that is going to be hard to beat, and definitely a great buy for those on a strict budget.

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